Perricone MD Dr. Nicholas Perricone

Behind the Bottle

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a board certified clinical and research dermatologist. Through years of extensive research, he arrived at the conclusion that inflammation is the single greatest precipitator of aging and age-related diseases. Dr. Perricone believes that this inflammation is responsible for skin-related problems like breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. His holistic approach to aging treats this inflammation in three ways: through diet, nutriceutical supplements, and his award-winning line of skin care products and cosmeceuticals.

Dr. Perricone's constant research and groundbreaking products keep him at the forefront of advancements in the field of skin care products.

1). How did you get started in this industry?

My initial quest to find ways to stop, prevent and reverse the negative effects of inflammation in my dermatology patients laid the foundation for NV Perricone MD, Ltd. My scientific studies were (and are) designed at eliminating chronic sub-clinical inflammation caused by factors such as age, the sun, poor nutrition, the environment, and hormonal changes. This led me to the study and use of antioxidants, natural anti-inflammatories from nutritional substances in topical formulations.

The success of these natural anti-inflammatory formulations in treating diseases such as rosacea, acne, psoriasis, severely sun damaged, scarred and aging skin in my patients encouraged me to develop these products into a line of cosmeceuticals.

2). What is your star product or biggest breakthrough?

I am currently conducting in new research that radically alters the profile of a number of powerful substances, such as the tri-peptide glutathione, the most important antioxidant our cells produce. It is critical in the cell's defense against inflammation-generating free radicals and oxidative stress-key factors in wrinkles, accelerated aging and age-related diseases.

The form of glutathione (Acyl-Glutathione) that I am working with dramatically rejuvenates aging skin when applied topically and will also offer disease and wrinkle fighting benefits when taken orally as supplements.

Another significant breakthrough I have developed is what I call Cold Plasma Technology which incorporates targeted nutrients in a revolutionary new, patented delivery system.

3). Who/What inspires you?

What inspires me is my love of science and absolute commitment to finding solutions to the signs of aging.

4). Be honest, what beauty products do you use regularly other than your own?

5). Imagine the future of the beauty industry and give us your prediction of what's to come.

Thanks to so many emerging technologies, the future looks very positive when it comes to rejuvenation of the skin. Most importantly, I do not believe that the future lies in an acceleration of invasive treatments, inject-able fillers, neurotoxins or radical surgery. Great breakthroughs are being made that introduce safe yet genuinely transformative methodologies that not only help restore damaged, aging skin to youthful suppleness, but reinvigorate the entire body. My research over the years has also included the study of the therapeutic effects of visible non laser light as well as rejuvenation of facial muscles with the use of pulsed electric current to the face. These treatments will restore and maintain the face in a remarkably youthful, wrinkle and sag-free condition. I firmly believe that strengthening the muscles to produce more youthful contours as opposed to paralyzing them, is the wave of the future.

Another exciting area happening now is the science of Nutrigenomics, which, through certain foods and nutrients, allows us to actually change our DNA and alter our genetic blueprint for more radiant youthful skin and disease prevention.

6). Give our customers a beauty insider tip:

Ready to repair and renew? Don't forget your protein. Protein is key to cellular repair and the days that we don't get enough protein are the days at which our aging is accelerated.

6.5). In 140 characters or less, give us a beauty tip to Tweet and tell us where to follow you.

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient but water-soluble Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is irritating to skin and unstable in topical formulations.

Visit my website at www.perriconemd.com and follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/DrPerricone

7). Extra Credit: Write personal reviews for some of the individual products in your line.

Advanced Eye Area Therapy: ALA has great benefit when applied in a topical lotion. When put in an eye lotion, it will greatly decrease under eye circles and puffiness.

Advanced Amine Complex Face Lift: DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a nutritional substance that is a powerful anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizer. DMAE is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract and tighten under the skin. Therefore it can help maintain muscle tone in the face and body as we age, helping to prevent both sagging and drooping of the muscles under skin. In fact, it is not wrinkles that are the greatest culprit in giving the face an aged appearance-it is the loss of anatomical position that results in the sagging and drooping of the underlying muscles. When applied topically in the form of a lotion, the effects are almost immediately visible. The effects are also cumulative. Studies looking at weeks, months and even up to a year of use show that improvements and benefits continue to accrue.

Advanced Face Firming Activator: Advanced Face Firming Activator (AFFA) will reduce swelling and puffiness in the face. Its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and blotchiness, resulting in an evening out of skin tone often making foundation unnecessary. AFFA will shrink pore size and impart a healthy radiance to the skin. AFFA is excellent at decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles; its capacity to regulate production of nitric oxide, which controls blood flow to the skin, transforms the complexion from dull, pasty, and pale to vibrant and glowing.